Worried I have Lyme's disease...going out my mind.

[carlos2011]

Hi all,

I know this seems a bit 'out there', but a lot of the symptoms I have seem to tie in with the disease, could it be possible? I don't remember having a tick bite though or rash. I'm afraid to ask the doctor as I think they are getting a bit fed up with me now. I went the weekend again with my lightheaded disconnected feeling, and they said it's anxiety and I might need to see a counselor if it continues to take over my life. I've had an MRI scan and blood tests and they are all fine.

Basically all this started when I began to worry about my eye floaters, which still bother me. I'm seeing an eye specialist and having them looked into being treated with a laser. I'm only 29 and the ophthalmologist said I have a partial vitreous detachment, which is not serious, just an annoyance. She said they will settle down eventually, but usually (not always), older people get this condition. Since then, I can't stop thinking about them and even when I don't I'm still light headed and feel like I'm living in a dream world. Is it anxiety causing this depersonalization or something more sinister?

I really can't go on like this, I've been this way since February..it's a complete nightmare and i can't relax.

Any advice on what to do? Pursue more tests or believe the doctors and go down the counselor route?

Really appreciate your advice.

Carl

[alix123]

I would try and see a counsellor, they work really well with some people. I have been coping for 15 years now and it's awful I know. In my mind I've had cancer a number of times, brain tumours blood clots and currently think I have ALS. TV and Internet don't help because they show us all these things and how awful they can be and naturally we worry sadly people like us worry a fair bit more than others and it becomes all consuming. I have thoses moments where I go lightheaded and feel like everything is a bit unreal, it does seem normal amongst those with anxiety issues. The fact that you've had an MRI and blood tests all come back fine is a very good sign. I would see the doctor about what courses of therapy might be right for you, it can't hurt to try.
All the best xx

[carlos2011]

Thanks alix, I think you are right (and I think I need to spell counsellor better!). I really blame the internet, there is far too much information on here. I feel like I could train to be a doctor myself sometimes! I think what it is, I have too much pride to admit I have HA..I really do need the help though I think.

[kah]

Hi Carl,

Don't be embarrassed to admit you have HA, it's an illness like any other, the only problem is you can't 'see' the problem so not everyone understands. A counsellor sounds like a good idea, if I was offered one I'd snap the GPs hand-off, all I get is fobbed off!!! Good luck

Kerri-anne xx

[Liliana83]

My present boyfriend had Lyme disease a few years ago..from a tick bite. He got the bulls eye rash..and had a fever. I don't think your symptoms match up to a person who has Lyme disease. Regardless..if you get treated right away treatment is available.

[worried91]

Lyme disease is almost unheard of in the UK as the ticks that carry it don't live here. Your symptoms are classic anxiety.

[Liliana83]

I was just about to post that, worried91..it mostly happens in Canada and northern parts of the U.S...I forgot to mention that my boyfriend was in northern Minnesota where he got it.

[looking4answers]

I made the mistake of watching a two hour show on it and I have most of the symptoms and in the back of my mind I have it to,but the best way to find out is to have the lyme test. They can now tell you for sure if you have it.By the way its all over the world now and yes the UK has its share to according to that documentary.

[carlos2011]

Thanks all. The thing is, I don't remember any kind of nasty bite with a rash. Also I live in the city in the Midlands , have done for nearly 2 years. I probably wouldn't even think of it if it weren't for the Internet. I do have some of the symptoms but the list is huge. I might mention it to the doctor but they will know I've been searching on the Internet again! Don't know what to do.

[looking4answers]

According to the show I saw about 80 percent of people that haveit don' t remember the bulls eye rash or anything about a bite.

[pinkpiglet]

I only need to hear of a disease or illness and before the days out....Iv got it! I think anxiety presents that many horrid symptoms that we feel we need to have a name/title for them. What you are experiencing sounds like anxiety to me. Try not to worry yourself worse :/

[carlos2011]

Thanks. I'm trying to block it out of my mind, if it gets worse I'll just go back to the doctors and mention it. I don't live near any deer, it doesn't make sense..but who knows.

[Liliana83]

I don't know about the U.K (I'm in the states)...ticks usually come out in the spring time...and die out after that. I was in northern Minnesota last month..was hiking in the woods with the boyfriend and when we got back to our cabin I found a huge tick on his stomach. That was last month...he's absolutely fine!! Not all ticks carry Lyme disease...


I've had many ticks on me...even here in the south where I live (Texas)..from camping..etc. No issues whatsoever..of course I got freaked out when I pulled them off of me..and did monitor the bite marks..everything was good! No complications. :yesyes:

[carlos2011]

Thanks Liliana :) Another good point..not all ticks carry it. The thing is, I need to think rationally. I don't ever remember getting bitten. They don't even fly do they? Aren't they similar to a spider but flatter with longer bodies? They can affect your joints at a later stage and stuff, mine are fine, I just have this disconnected feeling.

Anxiety side is wanting me to get a blood test, rational side is slapping me and saying "get a grip"..usually anxiety wins :(